After the empress entered the palace, Xiao Jingheng stood up and held her hand, sitting together on the warm seat.
"How have you been? Have the morning sickness symptoms been severe?" he asked.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have been taking the prescription from Imperial Physician Chu, and the symptoms have eased a lot."
The empress placed a small box she was holding on the small table in front of them and said,
"The Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared several titles for Consort Song. Your Majesty, please take a look and see which one is suitable."
She opened the box and took out golden paper inscribed with the titles one by one, placing them in front of Xiao Jingheng.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs had prepared three titles for Consort Song.
Xiao Jingheng scanned the words on each one,
They were: "Peace," "Harmony," and "Blessing."
These were common titles for imperial consorts, and their meanings were all appropriate and unremarkable.
But upon closer inspection, all of these titles were related to pregnancy.
The character "Peace" could mean ensuring a safe pregnancy,
The character "Harmony" could mean a smooth delivery,
The character "Blessing" could mean a joyful event.
Each title seemed to imply that Consort Song's position was elevated because she was carrying the emperor's child, which inevitably led to various interpretations.
Xiao Jingheng immediately saw the hidden intentions behind these titles and asked with a serious expression,
"Were these titles discussed between the empress and the Ministry of Internal Affairs?"
The empress shook her head and replied, "Now that Consort Chen is assisting in managing the harem, I can focus on nurturing the child and have some leisure. These matters were all entrusted to Consort Chen."
Xiao Jingheng didn't beat around the bush either and said, "None of these titles are quite appropriate. They all relate too much to Consort Song's pregnancy. It's inevitable that people would think that I granted her this position because she is pregnant."
The empress fell silent for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "I also find them inappropriate. But Consort Chen has limited education, perhaps she thought these titles had good meanings and had them prepared without any other intentions."
She put the golden papers back into the box and changed the subject,
"Since Your Majesty is not satisfied, I will return these titles, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs can come up with new ones."
"No need to go through all that trouble. I have thought of a title that I believe suits Consort Song well."
"Oh?" The empress smiled. "It's a coincidence because I also thought of one. How about we write down our respective ideas on paper and see which one is better?"
Xiao Jingheng readily agreed to the empress's proposal, and Jiang Deshun quickly prepared paper and brushes for them.
They started writing down their thoughts on the rice paper, and soon they placed them in the center of the small table.
Only then did they realize the extent of their tacit understanding.
Xiao Jingheng wrote the character "Yi" in cursive script,
While the empress wrote the same character in regular script.
"Hahaha~" Xiao Jingheng chuckled even more, nodding repeatedly. "It seems that the empress understands my intentions the best."
The empress also smiled gracefully. "The character 'Yi' implies virtuous conduct, and I think it's a perfect description for Consort Song."
"I share the same opinion," Xiao Jingheng said, following the empress's words at first, but his subsequent words carried a hint of probing.
"But this title is a grand one. Since the founding of the dynasty, only the Imperial Noble Consort Qin, the consort of Emperor Taizu, was bestowed with the title 'Yi.' I thought that when the Empress learned of this matter, she would advise me as she did on the day I granted Consort Chen of the Jin clan the title of concubine."
The Empress gently shook her head with a warm expression, "The reason I advised Your Majesty on that day was because all the palace concubines were present. As Your Majesty's wife, I also bear the responsibility of offering counsel in the imperial court. Even if I know that speaking of certain matters would displease Your Majesty, I still have to remind you. It is my duty as the Empress.
Of course, I also wish to be like Consort Chen, able to go along with Your Majesty's wishes in all matters, making you happier and not feeling restrained like me."
Xiao Jingheng heard the desolation in the Empress's words, so he took her hand and held it in his palm, comforting her, "I have never thought of the Empress in that way."
The Empress grasped his hand in response, understanding his meaning, and nodded.
"I understand. In fact, I also hope that Consort Song can obtain a good position. Today's matter has been settled with the approval of the Empress Dowager, and there have been no objections from the previous dynasty. That is good.
As for the matter of the title, whether it is grand or small is not of great importance. What matters is whether the person who receives this title can live up to it."
The Empress gazed at Xiao Jingheng with gentle eyes, sensing that his expression had changed somewhat, but she pretended not to notice and continued,
"Your Majesty has always treated the palace concubines in this manner. As your wife, I should also be the same."
"The Empress is considerate."
Xiao Jingheng replied perfunctorily and then released the Empress's hand.
The Empress didn't disturb him any further and took her leave with tact.
Back in the palace, she picked up a book and began reading.
When Frost brought her tea and saw the faint smile on her lips, she asked,
"Empress, you seem to be in a good mood today?"
Without looking up, the Empress smiled and said while flipping through the book,
"The beauty of maturity brings joy to the heart. As the saying goes, appearances reflect the state of the heart, so naturally, you see that I am delighted."
"Empress, you are benevolent and magnanimous. By granting the title 'Yi' to Consort Song, you have truly elevated her."
"What have I elevated her to? His Majesty has even granted her residence in Chang Le Palace, which used to be the residence of Imperial Noble Consort Yi, the consort of Emperor Taizu. Isn't His Majesty's intention clear enough?
I am just going along with the flow. Coincidentally, doesn't Consort Chen also like to go with the flow? She eagerly rushed to congratulate Consort Song on her elevation to a concubine. So, I might as well let her enjoy herself to the fullest."
Frost sneered, "In the past, among the palace concubines, the honor of having the title personally designated by His Majesty was exclusive to Consort Chen. Now that Consort Song has it too, Consort Chen is no longer the sole recipient of favor. When she hears this news, I'm afraid she will go mad."
Speaking in a lowered voice, her smile turned sinister,
"In the past, Consort Chen was overjoyed when she received the title as if she had obtained something extraordinary. How could she know... that this title was actually forced upon her by you, Your Majesty?"
*
Years ago, when the Ministry of Internal Affairs was designating a title for Ning Wanshuang, the Empress used the lives of the ministry's officials as leverage and had them come up with the character 'Chen' and presented it to Xiao Jingheng.
Xiao Jingheng was infuriated when he saw the character, so he secretly put the Director of the Internal Affairs Office to death.
On that day, the Empress, who had participated in the selection of titles alongside Xiao Jingheng, advised him:
"The Internal Affairs Office chose a good title for Consort Ning because they saw the Emperor's favor towards her. Your Majesty doesn't need to be so angry."
However, Xiao Jingheng replied, "The character 'Chen' implies an emperor. Besides the Empress, who else is worthy of such a title? Is the Internal Affairs Office following my preferences, or have they received some benefits under the table?"
In truth, Xiao Jingheng sincerely liked Ning Wanshuang at that time.
She was genuine, decisive, and radiant like the sunshine of a spring day.
Although she could be a bit stubborn at times, she dared to be straightforward in front of him. In the entire harem, only Ning Wanshuang stood out.
It was precisely because of her uniqueness that Xiao Jingheng had showered her with favor.
However, a monarch's love can never be completely pure.
While Ning Wanshuang was excellent, her maternal family had always been a great concern for Xiao Jingheng.
He had always suspected that the Ning family was arrogant and had hidden ambitions. He feared that one day they might rise to a position of power, so he was wary of them.
In light of this situation, Xiao Jingheng decided to use the title matter as a test for the former dynasty and Ning Wanshuang.
During the morning court session, he announced that he personally selected the character 'Chen' as Ning Wanshuang's title, wanting to see the reaction from the former dynasty.
There were many courtiers who had close ties with the former dynasty and the Ning family.
Although most of them held opposing views, there were still many courtiers who believed that this was the Emperor's family matter and they would support Xiao Jingheng's decision.
Later, Xiao Jingheng asked Ning Wanshuang for her opinion.
Ning Wanshuang thought that 'Chen' could refer to the Empress and believed it was a sign of Xiao Jingheng's deep favor towards her. Naturally, she expressed her gratitude.
However, this made Xiao Jingheng think that she was ambitious and coveted the throne, causing him to distance himself from her.
This is why, since Ning Wanshuang received the title of Consort Chen, Xiao Jingheng's treatment towards her had changed compared to before.
Because every time Xiao Jingheng saw her, he no longer saw just her as an individual, but also the heavy burden of her maternal family.
He had to be on guard and wary of them.
*
Recalling this incident, the Empress's smile deepened.
Ning Wanshuang flattered, "Your Majesty is wise. It's laughable how Consort Chen received the title and became so delighted, strutting around like an arrogant wild bird, daring to flaunt her power in front of you, Your Majesty."
"Ah~"
The Empress let out a soft sigh, slowly closing the book in her hand, and said,
"That's why, in one's leisure time, one should read more books. If Consort Chen had known more characters, she would have understood how to refuse when the Emperor wanted to give her this title.
If she had refused, perhaps the Emperor would not have gradually distanced himself from her."
